Determinism

Question 1

Scientific determinism approaches

Answer 1

All experimental psychology

Question 2

Biological determinism approaches

Answer 2

Biological approach

Question 3

Environmental determinism approaches

Answer 3

Behavioural approach (Pavlov; Skinner; Bandura)

Question 4

Psychic determinism approaches

Answer 4

Psychodynamic approach (Freud, Jung)

Question 5

Scientific determinism

Answer 5

All human behaviour has a cause and effect

This means that predictions about behaviour can be objectively tested by manipulating the IV to observe its effect upon the DV

Therefore, according to experimental psychology, human behaviour is scientifically determined and we have no free will

Question 6

Biological determinism

Answer 6

All behaviour is caused by internal bodily activity and these are the only factors that shape our behaviour including: genetic factors, brain organisation, neurochemistry and evolution

Therefore, according to the biological approach, human behaviour is biologically determined and we have no free will

Radical biologists argue for hard determinism, where we have absolutely no choice over our behaviour or actions

Question 7

Environmental determinism

Answer 7

All human behaviour is caused by external environmental experiences and these are the only factors that shape our behaviour including; learning, upbringing, school, peers and family

Human are born a blank slate (tabula rasa) meaning we have no predisposed abilities or talents therefore, all human behaviour is learned from environmental experience via:
Classical conditioning (pavlov)
Operant conditioning (skinner)
Social learning theory (bandura)

Therefore, according to the behavioural approach, human behaviour is behaviourally determined and we have no free will

Radical behaviourists (skinner) argue for hard determinism where we have absolutely no choice over our behaviour or actions

Question 8

Psychic determinism

Answer 8

All human behaviour is called by unconscious instincts, drives and unresolved conflicts from childhood and these are the only factors that shape behaviour including:
Distribution of libido through the interactions of the ID, ego and superego

Successful completion of the psycho-sexual stages of development

Therefore, according to the psychodynamic approach, human behaviour is determined by a mix of innate unconscious drives and early experience and we have no free will

Radical psychodynamic psychologists (Freud) argue for hard determinism where have absolutely no choice over our behaviour or actions